Why opinion polls should be outlawed

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-- Why opinion polls should be outlawed

Posted by trancaholic on Jan-06-2004 18:30:

Why opinion polls should be outlawed

Browsing through the euronews.net site I came across the following:

Don't click me, I'm quoted below

It says in the text:

quote:
The survey in question angered Jewish groups in November, when Europeans were asked which states on a list endangered world peace, and 59% put Israel first. Iran, North Korea and the USA tied for second place.

Likewise, in Julie Burchill's column in November, it says:

quote:
...and also the recent EU survey that found 60% of Europeans believe Israel is the biggest threat to peace in the world today...

Now, what did the survey actually say back in early November:

quote:
According to the Eurobarometer poll, based on interviews with 500
people in each of the 15 EU states, some 59 percent of Europeans
replied "yes" when asked whether or not Israel presents a threat to
peace in the world.

A total of 53 percent said Iran, North Korea and the United States pose
a threat, followed by 52 percent for Iraq, 50 percent for Afghanistan
(news - web sites) and 48 percent for Pakistan.

We debated the original report when it got out, and it is as such not the topic of this thread.
Rather, notice how sensation seeking reporters and interest groups have spun the story into something grander, and now even low-key news sites are bringing the altered version of the story.

Once a "lie" has been told often enough it apparently becomes the truth, and I expect politicians might cave in to public (read: media) pressure, and do "something about it" sooner or later.

Wonder how many other polls are presented in likewise distorted versions, and what decisions they have caused.

- Or am I overreacting?

Posted by Nadi on Jan-06-2004 18:48:

I don't think your overreacting much. By the way I just read a book about this(media sensationalism that is) which I liked a lot, though its pretty specific to the USA its called "The Culture of Fear" and its by Barry Glassner.